Modern head and neck imaging relies on a sophisticated interplay of multimodality diagnostic protocols to evaluate complex anatomic structures, pathology, and treatment-related changes. Because this anatomical region features tightly packed neurovascular bundles, complex skull base architecture, and overlapping tissue types, selecting the appropriate imaging modality is critical.
Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serve complementary roles: CT excels at delineating fine bony destruction, cortical erosion, and calcified matrices within the temporal bone, sinuses, and laryngeal skeleton, whereas MRI offers superior soft-tissue contrast resolution essential for assessing perineural tumor spread, marrow infiltration, and internal architecture of deep space neck masses. Integrating these advanced imaging protocols allows clinicians and radiologists to accurately stage benign and malignant neoplasms, differentiate recurrent disease from post-radiation changes, and guide precise surgical or radiation treatment planning….read more
Anatomically, “head and neck” encompasses structures from the skull base to the thoracic inlet: the orbits, face, sinuses and nasal cavity, bony skull base, temporal bones, soft tissues of the neck, and upper aerodigestive tract including the pharynx and larynx. Various congenital and acquired anomalies and abnormalities arise from these structures, and imaging evaluation plays an important role for initial diagnosis and follow-up assessment. In this chapter, imaging techniques for evaluating head and neck in pediatric patients are discussed, and normal anatomy is reviewed. In addition, various commonly and occasionally encountered disorders affecting the pediatric head and neck are presented, including clinical features, characteristic imaging findings, relevant pathologic findings, and current treatment approaches. …read more
Head and Neck Anatomy
Comprehensive radiological atlas covering skull anatomy, cervical spine imaging, paranasal sinuses, temporal bone anatomy, and neuroimaging pathology...read more
Benign and Malignant Tumors: General Issues and Growth Patterns and Treatment Related Changes
Growth patterns of benign and malignant neoplasms Perineural spread of malignancies Computed tomography, magnetic…read more
Benign and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Nerve sheath tumors are common benign tumors in the head and neck. Schwannomas and neurofibromas often have distinctive…read more
Benign and Malignant Epithelial Tumors: Lesions of Cutaneous (Skin) Origin
Skin cancer is usually not life threatening but can be if more advanced lesions are…read more
Calcification, Ossifications, Matrices, Radiodense Foreign Bodies and Their Mimics
Calcification, ossification, and the presence of a matrix are frequently crucial to the diagnostic process. Calcification,…read more
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a common disease of the head and neck. Lymphoma most often presents as nodal disease. In its extranodal varieties, it takes on…read more
Infections and Noninfectious Inflammatory Disorders: General Morphology, Cellulitis, Abscess and Suppurative Adenitis
Infections and Noninfectious Inflammatory Disorders: General Morphology, Cellulitis, Abscess and Suppurative Adenitis The basis of the “inflammatory morphology” as seen on anatomic imaging studies is…read more
Temporal Bone, Posterior Skull Base, Posterior Fossa, and Cranial Nerves
Patients with sensorineural and conductive hearing loss make up the bulk of temporal bone study referrals. Other common indications for CT and MRI of the temporal bone and related posterior fossa structures include facial nerve dysfunction, vertigo, tinnitus, otitis media, mass lesions in and about the temporal bone, and patients with unexplained otalgia. …read more
Benign and Malignant Epithelial Tumors: Lesions of Glandular Origin
Epithelial tumors of glandular most commonly arise from the major and minor salivary glands. Benign and malignant glandular tumors typically have distinct yet not strictly diagnostic gross morphology as seen on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These tumors have a great deal of biologic variability. read more
Fluid Collections, Cysts and Hematomas
There is great diversity in the appearance of fluid collections on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. Physical properties…read more
Larynx: Malignant Tumors
CT and MRI are important tools for establishing the entire extent of a primary laryngeal cancer much of which that is often beyond endoscopic detection in locally advanced cancers. These two factors help determine optimal treatment strategies. FDG PET used judiciously can further aid this diagnostic process. Surveillance imaging can be by a combination of anatomic and/or radionuclide imaging- the best strategies are individualized to each particular patient’s circumstances.CT and MRI are important tools for differentiating radionecrosis of the laryngeal skeleton from recurrence and determining the possible threat of radionecrosis to airway integrity. read more
Reference material from Radiology Key Head and Neck Imaging
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